Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the supply of drugs for (a) epilepsy, (b) bipolar disorder and (c) neuropathic pain; and if he will make a statement.

Medicines supply problems can occur for a number of reasons due to manufacturing difficulties, regulatory problems and problems with the supply of raw materials, or from issues which are related to the distribution of the product. The manufacture of medicines is complex and highly regulated, and materials and processes must meet rigorous safety and quality standards, so difficulties can arise for various reasons.

The Department understand that maintaining access to anti-epileptic drugs, drugs for bipolar disorder and those used in the management of neuropathic pain is vitally important to many people in this country. We are aware of some issues with medicines used in epilepsy, bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain over the past few months. During this time, we sought specialist advice to allow a clinical management plan to be developed. Expert clinicians provided input on the clinical management plan to ensure affected patients can be managed appropriately during the supply issue. We communicated any information about the supply issue and clinical management plan to the National Health Service including patient groups.

We continue to work closely with industry and partners in the health system to help prevent shortages and to ensure that the risks to patients are minimised when supply issues do arise.